Hospitaller Region - Atlanta

The Atlanta-based group of the Federal Association began to take form in 1995 and today there are 27 Knights and Dames of the Order living in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Archbishop John Donoghue and Archbishop Wilton Gregory are Conventual Chaplains, and Monsignor Edward Dillon is a Magistral Chaplain and served as the first Regional Hospitaller for Atlanta. He was succeeded by Kimberly Hanna in 1998, Marilyn Allegra in 2000, Dr. Tom Lewis in 2004, and Diane Festa in 2007. Matthew McDaniel served on the Federal Association’s Board of Directors from 1999-2005, and Edward Festa was elected to the Board in 2005.

Many of the members from Atlanta have participated in the Order of Malta’s annual pilgrimage to Lourdes - several more than once. In addition, the Atlanta members have been very active in the Federal Association’s campaign to raise funds for the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem.

Members of the Order (and their families) who are interested in participating in one of these activities should contact the Regional Hospitaller. The phone/fax number is available in Federal Association Directory.

Solidarity Hispanic Mission
Centro Católico del Espíritu Santo— the Hispanic Outreach Mission of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. The Mission provides religious, educational, social, and medical assistance to the Hispanic community in northwest Atlanta. The work also includes Solidarity School, a preschool through 5th grade, private Catholic school operated as part of a broader outreach effort to the community called Solidarity Mission Village. Members participate in several group functions at the Mission during the year. In addition, each member performs individual volunteer service at the Mission or School. Several members are active with the Mission Boy Scout troop.

Contact: Ed Festa, Ron Savarese, Gareth Genner

Blessed Gerard Visitation Program

Contact: Dr. Tom Lewis